It was a perfect Saturday for chalk art to fill downtown Jefferson City as crowds gathered on High Street for the annual Capital Jazzfest and Capital Street Art Fair. Jeff Boyer, executive director of Capital Arts, said by the end of the day, between 150 and 200 individuals would participate in the annual chalk art competition. He noted the event has grown each year, attracting 150 people in 2013 and 174 last year.
Jeff Boyer, executive director of Capital Arts, said by the end of the day, between 150 and 200 individuals would participate in the annual chalk art competition. He noted the event has grown each year, attracting 150 people in 2013 and 174 last year.
Boyer said offering free events like the art fair not only helps provide a venue for practicing artists, but helps the city as a whole.
"It makes it a more desirable place to live and work," Boyer said.
By 2 p.m. people were lined up along High Street, either already nearing the finishing touches or just starting their masterpieces.
Calla Cannon, 12, said she was unsure of what she would draw as she got settled at her spot near Jefferson Street. She said shewas planning to draw Batman but, after arguing with a friend over who would draw Batman, decided to try something else.
Next to Cannon sat Asia Napier, 14, who was just starting to sketch her drawing of Jack and Sally from the film "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Napier said she draws quite a bit, picking it up after watching her uncle sketch and draw.
One block over, Stacie Bosch was working hard on her piece, called "All Jazz Fingers." Bosch said she participates every year and always tries to incorporate a musical theme to match the jazz music that fills the street during the competition.
During the art fair, Capital Jazzfest performs on the stage at High and Madison streets. This year's lineup included the University of Missouri Concert Jazz Band, Adorne, Marbin, Max Groove and the Tom Andes Quartet.
Bosch's son, Zane Wolfe, 9, sat in the spot next to Bosch, participating on his own for the first time. Wolfe said he was having trouble drawing the banjo to go in the hands of the frog he had already finished. And though Wolfe said he was enjoying his first year in the art fair, there was a downside.
"It's very hard on the fingers," Wolfe said.